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People across India celebrate Diwali or Deepavali as per their unique traditions and rituals. The festival customs differ from region to region and has its own meaning for each ritual. Have you ever wondered why we follow some of the customs? Let us know some common rituals of Diwali and the reasons behind them.

Diwali Cleaning

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The festival of Diwali mainly surrounds Goddess Lakshmi. It is believed that the goddess enters those homes that are well lit and clean. Since Diwali is the time to let go of the old and usher the new, getting rid of clutter from the homes brings in positive energy.

Oil Bath

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As per the Shastras, it is believed that the mind during the early-morning hours is calm and placid when one can assimilate the feelings of piety, purity and innocence by taking a bath before sunrise. It is believed that the soul becomes spiritually pure. The waves of deities are known to be active during the Brahma-muhurtam. Taking a bath at this time attracts the deities principles. This helps the soul to receive divine energies and helps to know more about God.

Rangoli

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People clean the house and decorate their front yards with torans and beautiful rangolis. Drawling rangolis by women has been a timeless tradition followed in India. It is known as kolam, alpana or aripoma. The word rangoli comes from words – ‘rang’ and ‘avali’ meaning, row of colors. The patterns are either geometrical as well as asymmetrical.  Rice powder, crushed limestone or chalk is generally used to draw the rangolis. Rangolis during Diwali primarily is used to welcome the Goddess Lakshmi, who is known to visit the homes during the festival.

Earthen lamps for Diwali

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Earthen lamps are pure and are good to disseminate a pure atmosphere. The principle of Fire is known to destroy negative energies and is known to received positive vibrations of deities. Candles are not the substitutes that can be used for earthen diyas since the vibrations are uniquely different.

Diwali Cleaning

cleaning_1382896526

The festival of Diwali mainly surrounds Goddess Lakshmi. It is believed that the goddess enters those homes that are well lit and clean. Since Diwali is the time to let go of the old and usher the new, getting rid of clutter from the homes brings in positive energy.

Gifting

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Diwali is a religious occasion that increases the bond of love, affection and togetherness. Erstwhile, people used to distribute sweets and farm produce on this day as a token of love. However, gifting market has been maximizing the potential of gifting today. Attractive gifts, schemes captivate people to spend money during the time of Diwali. Shopping and gifting are at its peak in India during this time.

Gambling

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The royals and people of the olden days gambled as form of fun and entertainment. The Hindy mythology mentions that Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva played a game of dice on this day and was thoroughly delighted. She declared that people who play dice on this day shall be blessed with good fortune the entire year. However, dice has been replaced by cards and other forms of gambling matches.

Diwali Sweets

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People gear up days before to prepare the best sweets and savories for the festive occasion. After the Pooja, people wish each other and distribute sweets.

Lehyam

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It is a South-Indian custom to prepare medicinal jam-like mixture made out of herbs such as ginger, pepper, cumin seeds, ghee, honey  and jaggery. Since Diwali is the time for feasting, the medicinal properties of the mixture help in digestion. This ayurvedic recipe has multiple properties. It improves digestion, taste perception, increases immunity power, and balances all the three doshas.